True Estate Documents

Written and narrated by Paul Grant Truesdell, Sr.

How many audios are there?

35

What is this about?

This page and site are dedicated to the discussion of Truesdell estate documents. Typically, this information aligns with those who have attended one of our "Casual Breakfast Conversations." Currently, we are hosting these events at the Stone Creek Golf Club's restaurant, known as "The Grill."

Although Stone Creek is a gated 55+ community, the golf club and restaurant are open to the public. Conveniently located in Ocala just off Highway 200, this venue provides easy access for the various retirement communities we serve, primarily in western Marion County.

The content provided here is structured into bite-sized segments, offering a comprehensive and clear understanding of estate planning documents. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions as you move forward.

How should I use this page?

Begin by reviewing the video that explains how to navigate the audio features and drop-down menu. The drop-down menu not only provides summaries of each audio but also includes a full transcription. I strongly encourage you to take notes as you go through the material. Additionally, the supplementary information offers valuable insights and addresses common questions.

Do you host seminars or workshops any more?

The short answer is: very rarely. In the past, we conducted an event known as the "Living Trust Reality Workshop." Approximately 40,000 people from the Ocala metropolitan area attended this monthly event, which we hosted on the second Wednesday of every month, with additional sessions on Thursday and Friday to accommodate overflow. Nationwide, I’ve spoken in front of approximately 65,000.

I always had a rule of thumb—never have more than 40 attendees in a workshop or seminar, as it diminishes the ability to engage effectively with the audience. Engagement is a critical component of workshops for me. I would start each session with a presentation and then open the floor for questions.

The workshops typically began at 10:00 AM, usually held in a conference room at a Marriott hotel in Ocala. Around noon, we would take a break for a lunch buffet, and by 12:15 to 12:20, everyone was back in their seats, ready for a Q&A session. These sessions often extended until 2:00 PM as we addressed the many questions participants had. While it was exhausting, it was also extremely rewarding, leading to hundreds of new clients each year—thousands over several decades.

For the overflow sessions on Thursday and Friday, I reduced the attendance cap to 30 participants per session. These smaller groups typically ranged from 25 to 30 attendees. However, by Friday, my voice would be pretty rough—I often joked that I sounded like Broderick Crawford. While Kelly assisted with some of the presentations, I led the majority because public speaking has always been my strength. My experience as a public speaker goes back to the mid-1970s, and I am very comfortable on stage.

We eventually retired the "Living Trust Reality Workshop" as technology evolved and our schedules became more demanding. Client acquisition became less frequent, and we transitioned to a mix of online and on-demand resources. We also introduced what we call "Casual Breakfast Conversations." These are concise sessions where we present who we are, what we do, and how we operate. They are short, to-the-point introductions, allowing prospective clients to get a summary of our services.

Our New Approach Since 2015:

We now provide access to a comprehensive audio series broken down into bite-sized segments. This format has proven highly effective, as it allows clients to focus on specific topics of interest. If someone has a question, they can refer directly to the relevant audio segment, making it easy to clarify any misunderstandings.

When clients meet with us, we can engage in more in-depth, meaningful discussions rather than spending time on basic terms and terminology, which can be costly for them. Our main objective is to be both efficient and effective, offering clarity from the outset.

What is a Casual Conversation versus a seminar, workshop, or webinar?

Pending

This took a substantial amount of time and yet, the Law Firm is your wife’s and you do not have a financial interest in it. Why would you produce this series?

Yes, this project required a significant investment of time. The law firm is owned by my wife, and it's true—I have no financial interest in the firm. So why did I do this? Because it's the right thing to do, not only for her but also for our clients and for anyone else who might benefit. Wealth management and financial advice are about more than just investments; they also involve ensuring clients have their legal documents in order. This is a priority for me, particularly because I have witnessed firsthand the impact of not being prepared.

Having worked in this field across five decades, I have seen over 60% of my clients pass away. The individuals I started with early in my career have aged, faced disabilities, and, unfortunately, many have passed. Their families—children and grandchildren—are now the ones we often serve. From my experience, roughly 65-70% of the clients I worked with in my first decade are no longer with us. This is largely because my focus has always been on those who are retired or nearing retirement.

The reason for this specialization is simple: very few individuals under 50 are mature enough to fully engage in comprehensive wealth management. This is not to be critical—it's a reality. People generally start accumulating significant assets later in life, often after having children, purchasing homes, and establishing their careers. The fact is, not everyone is self-employed, nor does everyone earn millions annually. Consequently, over time, clients pass on, and we need to continuously engage with new people to sustain the business.

Our Holistic Approach:

Estate planning and asset protection are crucial components of what we do. We work collaboratively with independently owned companies, though we maintain our family-oriented business model. Importantly, when a client from one firm wishes to engage with another, it is entirely voluntary. There is no obligation for any firm or client to use the services of another. This approach aligns with our core values, as we believe it is the most ethical way to conduct business.

Sharing Knowledge Effectively:

I also view this as an excellent way to demonstrate the depth and breadth of my expertise. My goal is to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to everyone. While the project includes a large number of audio segments, each is designed to be digestible—broken down into manageable parts, as this format helps clients retain the information better. Additionally, I always encourage clients to take notes during our sessions. Research shows that those who take notes retain information far better than those who only listen passively.